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James Irvin

Training: Wake up at 6:00am and go run in the hills. At 11:00am I train Muay Thai or boxing. I finish the day at 4:30 with either wrestling or jiu-jitsu.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu a few years ago, after playing football at Azusa Pacific College. I needed to find something athletic to do so I started rolling with some Gracie Jiu-Jitsu guys. I was looking to enter a few tournaments and possible prepare for a MMA fight, when I first laced up the boxing gloves in the gym, and I got SMOKED by a few boxers. So, I went back to training for about a year and a half before I took my first MMA fight.

What ranks and titles have you held? Former WEC world champion.

Do you have any heroes? I've had the honor of working out with some of my biggest heroes, people like Randy Couture, Evan Tanner, Quinton Jackson and Tito Ortiz. They are not only great MMA fighters, but great people.

What is your favorite technique? My favorite is Muay Thai. I like to try it, but usually see an opportunity and go with Vale Tudo. I go into a fight with a plan, but I can adjust real well. That's where the athletic ability comes in.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? I'm real excited about fighting in a UFC event. It’s what everyone wants to reach when they get into the sport of MMA

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I graduated in 1996 from Del Oro High School in Loomis, CA and attended Azusa Pacific College.

What was your job before you started fighting? When I'm not fighting, I work in the family construction business.

Getty Images reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this image or clip. If you violate our intellectual property you may be liable for: actual damages, loss of income, and profits you derive from the use of this image or clip, and, where appropriate, the costs of collection and/or statutory damages up to $150,000 (USD).